FE Mesh Generation - Automated Crack Grow Modeling with a View to Stress Intensity Factor Computing

For these reasons, the fully automated crack growing modeling was developed. Based on the virgin FE model (base FE model without crack), the developed software application generate the appropriate FE model for each desired crack opening. User have only to indicate the crack initiation node and the crack growing path, so-called crack growing scenario (see fig.1). After the data check, the crack is modeled, the CRAC2D element is applied at the crack tip, the FE model is saved, the related job is executed and the resultant KI and KII values are associated with modeled crack length. This step is repeated for each desired crack opening.